What Could Filming Look Like for Your Favourite Soaps?

Is seems as if the past few weeks there has been a the constant questions as to when we’ll run out of soap. And no, I’m not talking the stock piling of Dove – although that is arguably as important. It’s the British heritance, a staple in most households across the nation, the ever consistent and comforting TV soap. From Corrie to EastEnders, Emmerdale to Hollyoaks – audiences have been wondering when the bank of filmed episodes would finally come to an end. Well, with the recent lock down measure slowly beginning to lessen, there’s some good news to all you fans.

With the iconic crowded pubs, scuffles on the street, and pre-watershed kissing, soaps are certainly not always social distancing friendly. With the lock down beginning in March, filming of these iconic series had to shut down indefinitely. Whilst most had a limited pre-recorded footage, to stay relevant and reflect society, filming was never done too far in advance. Thankfully , with restrictions starting to slowly rise, filming may be able to continue sooner rather than later. Below however are the restrictions and limitations soaps will have to abide by.

Limited Crowds

​To deter the spread of corona, scenes that normally would call for large crowds are to be cut completely. Through some readdressing of scripts and swapping around setting, characters will now be seen in only two or three. Their interaction however will not include any intimate scenes . Already banned on Corrie before the pause in productions, all soaps will follow the lead and remove any kissing, hand holding, and physical intimacy indefinitely – sorry Hollyoaks!
Not only are the regular cast limited on set, but there will have to be a limitation of extras. Already Neighbours have gotten experimental in how they build up background characters. Sharon Johal (who plays Dipi on Neighbours) has reported that the set is using their own receptionist and admin staff to fill the roles and avoid brining in external people.

Postponing Story Lines for Older & Vulnerable Actors

Whilst soaps thrive of the variety and a dynamic age range, with the add risk of the older generation, characters such as Corrie’s Ken Barlow will be unfortunately written out for the foreseeable future. Even with the precautions in place, no one is willing to risk the actors most at risk – if it be through age or health reasons. We do however look forward to seeing the character back soon!

Limitations On Location

Alongside limiting the number of characters per scene, scene are limited to location. Whilst soaps tend to use a mix of studio and on-location scenes, for the time being all shots will be done in-studio. This allows the crew to create a controlled environment, allowing a safer place to work. It looks as if the stories we love will now unfold in the living rooms of characters, with some 1 on 1 conversation.

Follow Government Guidelines

Like all places of work, there is a responsibility for each and every cast and crew member to be safe. This includes some of the simplest measures – wash your hands and socially distance. To achieve this and still have an authentic representation of real life, Neighbours have been getting creative with the camera. Whilst they have already started filming, all actors are told to adhere to the 2 metres apart rules. Through some clear angles and camera tricky – the characters still appear close.

Alongside distancing, more breaks have been introduced for extra hand washing. By the entire cast regularly washing their hands, they can reduced infection. Neighbours have also introduced temperature checks when arriving to work. Corrie and Emmerdale are also looking into any additionally testing as an option for their crew.

Writing in Covid-19 Storylines

Of course, soap dramas are suppose to mirror reality – but be a bit exaggerated. The questions, then however, is whether soaps will write the pandemic into their story lines. Whilst it would certainly make social distancing easier and explain any other oddities away, is it something viewers are wanting to watch? Or have we all had enough seeing it on the news?
Neighbours have reportedly decided to avoid the story line altogether, noting that by the time the episodes end, the subject will be outdated – which is certainly positive thinking. Corrie on the other hand has confirmed it will include the pandemic. Whilst this will explain the streets shutting off Roy’s cafe and the Rovers, writers are not making it a dominating story line.

However soaps may look in the future, it is going without saying that with their return is another step towards normality. Love them or loath them – soaps are here to stay, and it will take more than COVID-19 to bring them to an end!

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